Empowering Women through Mushroom Cultivation: MEDP Launched in Anjaw
Staff Reporter:
Hayuliang, November 20, 2023: A new chapter in women's empowerment unfolded in Hayuliang, Anjaw, as the Micro Enterprise Development Programme (MEDP) on Mushroom cultivation training launched here on Monday. This meticulously designed programme, sponsored by NABARD and implemented by Sri Sri Rural Development Programme Trust (SSRDPT) in collaboration with Aruanchal State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ArSRLM), aims to equip 30 enthusiastic members from various Self-Help Groups (SHGs) with the skills and knowledge to cultivate mushrooms, master post-harvest management, and explore different packaging methods.
Hayuliang, nestled within the vibrant embrace of the Vibrant Village Programme – a government initiative dedicated to fostering the growth and development of rural communities – stands as a testament to the government's commitment to enhancing the quality of life in rural areas through improved healthcare, education, and economic opportunities.
The launch of the MEDP was graced by a constellation of dignitaries, including NABARD's District Development Manager (DDM), Kamal Roy; Project Manager (PM), SSRDPT, Radha Shaw; ArSRLM, CC, Bisaiso Kri; and Bhusan Rai, District Coordinator, SSRDPT, alongside the enthusiastic SHG members.
In her welcoming address, Project Manager (PM), SSRDPT, Radha Shaw, eloquently outlined the program's objective of enhancing mushroom products and production while aligning with market demand.
DDM Kamal Roy echoed this sentiment, underscoring NABARD's unwavering commitment to empowering SHG members through skill development and competence building, enabling them to launch micro-enterprises with the support of bank credit. He further highlighted NABARD's diverse developmental programs designed to benefit SHGs and farmers.
ArSRLM, CC, Bisaiso Kri, extended his heartfelt congratulations to the trainees on their selection and encouraged them to embrace the entrepreneurial spirit. He emphasized the significance of skill training in elevating the socio-economic status of rural communities, particularly women entrepreneurs.
Bhusan Rai, District Coordinator, SSRDPT, painted a vivid picture of the limited availability of government jobs, urging SHGs to acquire skills aligned with their qualifications to transform into entrepreneurs, thereby securing livelihoods and contributing to the nation's progress.
As the MEDP takes flight in Hayuliang, it marks a turning point in the lives of these women, igniting a spark of entrepreneurship that will illuminate their path to self-sufficiency and prosperity. The program promises to transform the rural landscape, empowering women to become catalysts for economic growth and social change.